Nobody wants repulsive rodent tenants in their home. In addition to being undesirable, rats and mice can pose serious health threats to humans. These vectors can transmit diseases to humans through direct contact, through infected fleas, as well as through contact via the rodent's droppings. Not only do these vermin pose health and safety threats, but financial ones as well. Rodents have the potential to cause some serious property damage to your home.
So - how can you keep these pests out of your home?
Preventative measures such as rodent-proofing a home can help barricade these critters from breaking and entering into your residence.
Rodent-Proofing Recommendations
1. Stay on Top of Your Landscaping
Overgrown tree branches and vegetation near your home can be the perfect route for rats and mice to gain access to your home, particularly via the attic and roof areas. Piles of leaves around your property can serve as hiding spots as well. Ensuring that tree branches are not growing too close to your home can help prevent rodent access. Firewood stacks should be stored far from your house as they provide an excellent hiding spot for rats and mice.
2. Seal any Openings Around your Home
Rats can fit through cracks as small as 1/2 of an inch wide, and mice can fit through openings as tiny as 1/4 of an inch wide. Rats gauge whether or not they can fit through a hole by using their whiskers. Any openings around your home bigger than 1/4 of an inch should be sealed to help keep rodents out. Additionally, it is a good idea to check any screened areas (including window screens) for tears or holes.
3. Keep Food Properly Stored and Sealed
Keeping food stored and sealed in the proper areas and containers can help eliminate any rodents from being enticed by your food supply. It is important to clean up any crumbs or food remnants. Another food source that rats and mice are especially attracted to is dog and cat food, so it is recommended that you keep any pet food stored in between your pet's mealtimes.
4. Remove any Clutter from in or Around your Home
Rodents are attracted to clutter because it provides a great hiding spot, the more clutter, the more coverage they have available to them have to dip in and out of. Eliminating clutter from your home can leave them with nowhere to hide or seek shelter in. Removing clutter from your property around your home is important as well.
Sandpiper Pest Control's Rodent Elimination & Exclusions
If you ever find that you are battling rodents in your home, rest assured that Sandpiper Pest Control is knowledgeable and experienced with rodent eliminations and exclusions.